How did World War II end – and why do Europe and the US recognise different dates?

The UK is commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, which ended World War II in Europe. While Europe celebrates VE Day, the US emphasizes VJ Day on September 2, 1945, when Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri, concluding the war globally. The conflict, which started with Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, resulted in an estimated 75 million deaths and saw the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s eventual surrender.